An on-field spat between Atlético Madrid and Manchester City players has spilled into the tunnel after their Champions League quarter-final.
City raised the ire of Atlético players as they ran down the clock late in the second leg of their last-eight clash, with a 0-0 draw enough for the English side to progress 1-0 on aggregate.
Atlético defender Šime Vrsaljko played no part in the match, but tried to make his impact in the tunnel after the game.
In footage captured by broadcast cameras, Vrsaljko threw something at the City contingent and had to be held back as he was angrily gesticulating.
On the other side of the tunnel, City defender Kyle Walker had to be restrained by the visiting contingent as they walked up the steps.
Vrsaljko tried to launch himself at the City players, and as they approached the dressing rooms, police and security intervened in an attempt to restore calm.
The scenes will surely be investigated by UEFA, and City manager Pep Guardiola said he did not want to stoke the tensions.
«Everyone saw the action but I have nothing to say,» Guardiola said when asked if he had anything thrown on or at him.
Tensions were already simmering around a flare-up in the 89th minute, when Felipe kicked out at City forward Phil Foden as Atlético was chasing the goal to force extra time.
Foden's head was already wrapped in a bandage after an earlier challenge in the game from Felipe as they contested a high ball.
As Foden was rolling around, perhaps to waste time, Atlético defender Stefan Savić charged over, tugging at his shirt and attempting to drag him up, drawing players from all around the pitch.
Once calm was restored, Felipe received his second yellow card and was sent on his way.
Perhaps the only surprise was there was
Read more on abc.net.au
abc.net.au
